Find a store
 Menu

Can covid affect your eyes?

Experiencing eye symptoms during or after COVID? Learn about COVID eye symptoms, what causes them, and when to get help.

Book an appointment

COVID eye symptoms

COVID can affect the eye in mild and more serious ways, from temporary irritation to rare nerve or blood vessel issues. Many people in the UK experience COVID eye symptoms during their illness or recovery, including red or bloodshot eyes, itchy or sore eyes, increased tearing and ocular migraines. Some people also experience blurred vision or light sensitivity due to COVID.

How COVID affects your eyes 

To understand COVID eye symptoms, it helps to know how the virus can impact different parts of your eye: 

  • Conjunctiva – The thin, clear tissue covering the white part of your eye and inside of your eyelids. COVID can cause conjunctivitis, leading to red, itchy, or watery eyes (similar to pink eye).

  • Cornea – The clear front surface of your eye. COVID‑related inflammation can sometimes affect the cornea, potentially causing discomfort or vision changes.

  • Retina – The light‑sensitive tissue at the back of your eye. In rare cases, COVID may affect blood vessels in the retina, though this is uncommon. 

  • Tear glands – COVID can affect tear production, leading to dry, irritated eyes that feel gritty or uncomfortable.

Who's more likely to get COVID eye symptoms? 

While anyone with COVID can develop eye symptoms, certain groups may be at higher risk. People with severe COVID infections, those with pre‑existing eye conditions like dry eye syndrome, and those with autoimmune conditions may be more susceptible. Long COVID patients also commonly report persistent eye symptoms. Age can play a role, too, with both very young and older adults experiencing more noticeable symptoms.

An optician delivers an eye test to a customer

Do these symptoms sound familiar?

If you have experienced any of the symptoms mentioned above it's worth booking an appointment with one of our optometrists.

Book an eye test

Causes of COVID eye symptoms

COVID can affect your eyes in several ways:

  1. Infection of the conjunctiva

    It can directly infect the conjunctiva (the clear tissue covering your eye), causing inflammation and signs of conjunctivitis.

  2. Triggering an inflammatory response

    It can also trigger an inflammatory response throughout your body, which may affect the delicate blood vessels in your eyes.

  3. Impacting your immune system

    COVID can impact your immune system, potentially leading to autoimmune reactions that affect eye tissues.

How are COVID eye symptoms diagnosed? 

If you're experiencing persistent eye symptoms after COVID, an optometrist can help determine whether they're related to your recent illness or another condition. They'll perform a comprehensive eye examination to assess your eye health and rule out other causes. This is particularly important if you're experiencing ongoing COVID‑related blurry vision, persistent itchy eye COVID symptoms, or any vision changes that concern you.

  • Medical history: Your optometrist will ask about your recent COVID infection, when your eye symptoms started, and how they've changed over time.

  • Visual acuity test: This checks how clearly you can see at different distances, which is important if you're experiencing blurred vision due to COVID.

  • Eye surface examination: Using a slit lamp, your optometrist can examine the front of your eye for signs of inflammation, dryness, or infection.

  • Tear film assessment: If you have dry, itchy eyes, they may test your tear production and quality to determine the best treatment approach.

Treatment of COVID eye symptoms

Treatment for COVID eye symptoms depends on the specific symptoms you're experiencing and their severity. While most COVID eye symptoms are mild and temporary, some situations require professional attention. You should see an optometrist or GP if symptoms are severe, persistent, or getting worse rather than better.

The good news is that most COVID‑related eye symptoms are mild and improve with time and appropriate care. Here's how to treat COVID eye symptoms effectively: 

  • Lubricating eye drops: For COVID‑related itchy eyes and dry eye symptoms, preservative‑free artificial tears can provide relief and help restore eye surface health.

  • Anti‑inflammatory treatment: If you have significant inflammation or conjunctivitis, your optometrist may recommend specific treatments to reduce swelling and discomfort.

  • Vision correction: If COVID‑related blurry vision persists, you may need updated glasses or contact lenses, or further investigation to rule out other causes.

Book an eye test

Preventing and managing COVID eye symptoms 

If you've had COVID and your eyes feel different, there are steps you can take to support your recovery and prevent symptoms from worsening. Take regular screen breaks, use lubricating drops, and keep up with eye checks. These simple measures can make a significant difference in your comfort and recovery.

COVID eye symptom FAQs

Written by our experts for peace of mind

https://images.ctfassets.net/zcryw81f0g1x/5mrcuMDlru21b9LMMuIQn7/34dcf1c5e9fe3ed41c4ea4077537d61f/Ross_Campbell_Northallerton.jpg

Ross Campbell

BSc Hons MCOptom Prof Cert Glauc Prof Cert Med Ret

Ross is an experienced optometrist having graduated in 2007 from Bradford University. He is also ophthalmic director of Specsavers Swaledale with Northallerton & Thirsk, a pre‑registration supervisor, professional advancement consultant, and a WOPEC Lead Assessor. He has previously worked as Director of Optometry Advancement for Specsavers and as a columnist for Optician & ProFile magazine.

Related conditions

Not sure if this is what you’re experiencing? Explore some related conditions:

  • Dry Eye Syndrome

    Dry eye syndrome is a condition that happens when your eyes don’t produce enough tears or if the quality of your tears isn’t quite right.

    Find out more

  • Conjunctivitis (red or pink eye)

    Conjunctivitis is a common condition caused by inflammation of the thin layer of tissue that covers the front of the eye and inner surfaces of the eyelid.

    Find out more

  • Floaters and flashes

    Seeing black dots in your vision, also known as floaters, is very common.

    Find out more

Find out more about eye care services

Get expert eye advice

If you’ve noticed a change in your vision, or have experienced any symptoms mentioned above, it’s worth booking an appointment with one of our optometrists.

Contact your local storeSee more eye conditions